From Maurice Okafor,Enugu.
In continuation of his food security, agro-industrialisation, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) development drive, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, yesterday flagged off the distribution of inputs and grants worth over N4.6bn to farmers, communities, and IT startups in the state.
Speaking at Okpara square, the venue of the ceremony, Governor Mbah said that it was imperative to nurture small scale entrepreneurs for sustainable growth through the provision of the key enablers since they remain the lifeblood of economic development.
Mbah stated: “Consequently, 12,000 small-holder farmers would each receive one bag of fertiliser, which the federal government had graciously donated to all states.
“In addition, we would be giving out 51 power tillers worth N2m each to farmers from across farming clusters in Enugu State.”
Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Patrick Ubru, enjoined the farmers and other beneficiaries to reciprocate government’s massive support through prudent application of the inputs and grants to create jobs, trigger revolution in the agricultural industry, and boost the state’s economy.
In his address, the Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Enugu State Chapter, Romanus Eze, assured the governor that the farmers and other beneficiaries would not disappoint the government.
“We have never had it so good. Therefore, we will not disappoint you. We promise you concrete results, for to whom much is given, much is also expected,” he assured.
